North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi aims at empowering emerging commercial farmers

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

27 February 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said as part of the poverty alleviation programmes in rural communities, his government will be working hand-in-glove with the North West House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders under the stewardship of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development through Agri-hubs in collaboration with the North West University (NWU), Agriculture Research Council, and other stakeholders.

Mokgosi, who delivered the State of the Province (SOPA) today at the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) in Mahikeng, said the objective is primarily aimed at driving agricultural development to empower emerging commercial farmers, while contributing to sustainable economic growth to address high poverty levels at rural communities and in district municipalities such as Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati and Ngaka Modiri Molema.

He further said on Monday, he will be launching a flagship programme of this initiative at the University’s Molelwane Farm in Mahikeng. Mokgosi added that in the next financial year, they will launch the “Ntime o Mphele Ngwana Poverty Alleviation Programme”, which is centred on addressing hunger and starvation amongst children and youth in economically depressed communities.

“I want to urge various non-governmental organisations and the private sector to partner with us in executing this initiative. Through the ILIMA/Letsema Programme and the Presidential Employment Stimulus, we are supporting over 5000 subsistence farmers in ensuring that no households in the province go to bed hungry.

“More than R60m has been set aside for the successful implementation of these programmes. An additional R80m of conditional grants will support farming communities in increasing food production across the province,” he said.

Mokgosi said the resuscitation of the Taung Irrigation Scheme is in full swing following their ongoing discussions and consultations with Bogosi and other key stakeholders. He said plans are already afoot to also revitalise the Disaneng, Molatedi, Hartebees and Mooibank Irrigation Schemes.

“In giving impetus to these plans, we will host a two-day Irrigation Symposium on the 5 and 6 March 2025, to develop a framework, as well as an implementation plan to drive agricultural production in rural and periphery communities.

“Restoring the dignity of our people remains one of the apex priorities of this government. To date over 6000 hectares of land have been restored to communities and rightful owners,” said Mokgosi.

He said through this programme, R4.5 billion was spent on land acquisition with over R430 million paid as development grants. Mokgosi said this includes the Bo-Moshe Communal Property Association, where over 670 hectares of land valued at more than R380m was restored to the community, which produces berries for export to international markets.

“This restoration has culminated in the investment of more than R40m and has created close to 5000 seasonal jobs and 31 permanent jobs for locals,” he said.

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A man sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for rape

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

28 February 2025- A man (37) was sentenced to 20 years by the Colesberg Regional Court for rape. On August 2024, Johannes Arends raped a woman (18), who was visiting friends in Riemvasmaak in Colesberg.

Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said at 9pm, the victim decided to return home, and the accused offered to walk her home. Ehlers said on arrival at her residence, he threatened her and raped her, then fled the scene.

“She called for help and a community member assisted her. The victim reported the incident to the police. Detective Sergeant Ilse Fan from the De Aar Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit led the investigation.

“Together with members from Colesberg SAPS, Arends was traced and subsequently arrested. He remained in custody until his sentencing on 25 February 2025. Arends was also declared unfit to possess a firearm, and his name is to be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders,” she said.

Ehlers further said Gender-Based Violence (GBV) remains a priority for the SAPS, and detectives will work tirelessly in collaboration with prosecutors to ensure that meticulous investigations are conducted and perpetrators are brought to book. 

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Department of Social Development warns against unauthentic sites for SRD application

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Picture: The SASSA logo

By REGINALD KANYANE

27 February 2025- The Department of Social Development and its entity the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) are warning unsuspecting prospective applicants of the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SSRD) of sites and links purporting to be authentic platforms to apply for the SSRD.

This was revealed in parliament today when the Portfolio Committee on Social Development received an update into the investigation on alleged weaknesses and fraud in the application and payment system of social grants.

The Minister of Social Development, Sisisi Tolashe said the correct and authentic application platform for all applications to the Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress is: https://SRD.sassa.gov.za. She further said the following links: https://srd-sassa.org.za and https://srdsassagov.co.za are fake and are used to collect data from unsuspecting applicants, stealing personal information from applicants of the SSRD of R370.

Tolashe said she instituted an investigation into vulnerabilities of the applications and systems used by SASSA for the payment of social grants. She further said this was after recommendations made by the Portfolio Committee on Social Development to conduct an investigation on these alleged vulnerabilities after claims of fraud in the application system of the Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress (SSRD) were made by two students from the University of Stellenbosch.

“The phase 1 of the investigation consisted of a comprehensive audit into the SRD application system administered by SASSA to determine the extent to which the system was exposed to fraud.

“The findings of this audit will serve as input as a basis for Phase 2, which will be an investigation into alleged fraud and weaknesses in the broader social grant system that results in ineligible beneficiaries receiving social grants,” said Tolashe.

She added that the final report on the Vulnerability Assessment (VA) and Penetration Testing (PT) on the SRD online system administered by SASSA made the findings. Tolashe said amongst others, that there are unidentified, malicious websites with .org and .co.za domain names that purport to be the authentic SRD application websites that are used to harvest applicants’ information for fraud purposes.

“That the SRD web application has weaknesses, such as unencrypted communications, that present threats to the security of the platform and the safety of users. These weaknesses are classified as medium risk by the Final Audit Report,” she said.

Tolashe said the Final Audit recommends a communication campaign warning beneficiaries and applicants about the unofficial and fake sites that are used to harvest their information for fraudulent purposes. She said SASSA has developed an Action Plan to respond to the recommendations of the Final Audit Report.

“It has short, medium and long term activities. This includes replacement of the HTTPS: method with a post method to protect communications between the applicant and the server that processes their information.

“To implement a rate limit to limit the abnormal number of requests made to the SRD application system. Update outdated software, and implement regular patch updates and introduce biometric,” said Tolashe.

She said in the long term, and within 18 months, SASSA will take down the fake websites and other content that violates its brand, copyright or right to information and privacy. Tolashe assured the committee of her commitment in addressing the vulnerabilities and weaknesses identified in the Covid 19 Social Relief of Distress system.

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Workers-owned coal mine struggling to make a breakthrough

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Picture: The miners at a disused mine/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

27 February2025 – A coal mine in Mpumalanga that was acquired by a group of retrenched mine workers, who lost their jobs when the former owners stopped operation is struggling to make a breakthrough in the industry. This was discovered by the Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources yesterday during an oversight visit to Arnot Opco Coal Mine in the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality.

The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Mikateko Mahlaule, said after Exxaro stopped mining and retrenched 1500 workers in 2015 when its coal supply contract with Eskom could not be renewed, a group of eight former Exarro employees formed a company, Innovators Resources, and approached their former employer to take over the mine.

Mahlaule said they also established a trust for the benefit of about 1 029 other former employees of the mine and partnered with Wescoal as a shareholder, which at the time was listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). He said, however, Arnot Opco management told the committee yesterday that because Wescoal had failed to make available the R150 million in funding they had previously committed and also because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the mine could not operate fully.

“Now the company is struggling to raise funding, as lenders are reluctant to fund companies in distress and also it is difficult to find funding for coal projects due to the global shift towards clean energy.

“Currently there is no mining taking place at Arnot Opco, instead the mine buys coal from third parties, washes it and sells to their clients. However, plans are underway to appoint contractors to reopen the mine and create jobs for some of the retrenched workers,” said Mahlaule.

He further heard that Arnot Opco is currently under business rescue and is also involved in a court battle with Wescoal. Mahlaule added that Wescoal is also under business rescue and its listing on the JSE has been suspended.

“The committee would like to see the company succeed and become a big player in the coal mining industry. The last thing we want is to see the transaction fail.

“We want the mine to be a success. We want to see this model, which we have not seen before, succeed. You must also have regard for the community and not extract and leave,” he said.

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EFF donates school shoes to a school in Buxton   

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Picture: The EFF leadership donates school shoes at Pelotshweu Primary School/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE

25 February 2025- The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Taung has donated school shoes to disadvantaged learners at Pelotshweu Primary School in Buxton village, near Taung. The EFF Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in North West Provincial Legislature, Justice Dabampe said their donations came after they identified learners in need.

Dabampe said they met with the school management and the School Governing Body (SGB) and discussed the donations.

“We did an oversight visit, wherein we were able to see that, there were learners who do not have school shoes. You would know that, this will tamper them from going to school to study or focus on their studies.

“So, as part of ensuring that we promote a culture of teaching and learning by ensuring the environment is conducive, we donated school shoes as per list submitted by the leadership of the school led by the principal,” he said.

Dabampe further said they are planning on working together with other stakeholders, including all schools in and around Greater Taung to ensure that, no child suffers because of lack of school shoes or uniform. He added that, no child should be left behind and all children should focus on their education.

“We can also report that there is a serious problem in terms of Post-Provisioning Model (PPM) and the allocation of teachers. This includes the absenteeism of Grade R learner.

“This matter concerns us and we are committed to working together with the leadership of the school and the SGB to ensure that, there is Grade R at the school. This should not be another failed project, but it should thrive,” said Dabampe.

He said Pelotshweu was previously a middle school and it has been turned into a primary school a few years ago. Dabampe said they will continue to support the school in anyway necessary.

Meanwhile, Help A Child South Africa said: “There is nothing incredible than to make a positive impact in the lives of underprivileged children across the country. Every child deserves access to education, regardless of their socio-economic background.

“Many children lack basic school supplies, including proper shoes and uniforms. These essential items not only contribute to their physical comfort but also help boost their self-esteem and confidence in the classroom.”

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A body of a man retrieved from a dam

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Picture: The police retrieved a body of a man who drowned/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

25 February 2025- The police in Postmasburg said they are investigating an inquest into the death of a man (18), from Maranteng, Postmasburg. This comes after a body of the man, who drowned in a dam, resurfaced on 25 February 2025, at around 6:30am.

The Northern Cape spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said the body was retrieved from the dam in Postmasburg. Kock said the deceased and a group of friends, allegedly went swimming and he drowned on 23 February 2025, at around 3pm.

“The SAPS Management commends the Postmasburg SAPS, Northern Cape SAPS Provincial Search and Rescue team, Kolomela Mine, the Postmasburg, communities and all other relevant role players, who assisted in the search and retrieval of the deceased,” said Kock.

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Two men arrested for house-breaking

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Picture: Some of the items seized by the police/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

25 February 2025- Two men aged 27 and 29, were arrested by the police in Mothibistad for alleged house-breaking and theft incident. According to the Northern Cape police, the police have allegedly recovered stolen goods.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Sergio Kock said on 21 February 2025, at around 5:30pm, the Mothibistad Visible Policing Commander, Captain Nomvuyo Makoloi with Crime Prevention members, pounced on the two men and recovered

2 fridges, a microwave oven, a washing machine, a set of pots, four plate gas stove, a plasma TV, kettle, gas cylinder, toaster, shoes and sneakers from their house in Promise Land, Mothibistad.

“A follow-up investigation led to the discovery of two goats allegedly also stolen from Ellendale Village. Police also confiscated the Tata Sedan and the Toyota Hilux bakkie that were allegedly utilized in the commission of the crimes.

‘The suspects will appear in the Mothibistad Magistrate’s Court on charges of house breaking and theft, possession of suspected stolen goods, stock theft and possession of alleged house breaking implements,” he said.

Kock further said the police management commended the Mothibistad SAPS for their vigilance and execution of arrests and reminded the community not to buy stolen goods. He added that, people should remember that, dealing and possession of stolen goods is a crime.

“The police request that they keep on assisting by reporting these criminals via the MySaps app or contact 08600 10111,” said Kock.

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Three suspects arrested for possession of endangered plants worth R500 000

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Picture: A truck with endangered plants seized by police/Supplied   

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

25 February 2025- Three suspects aged 31, 32 and 39, were arrested by the Kamieskroon for allegedly being in possession of endangered plants worth R500 000. The police received a tip-off and operationalised information regarding a Hyundai truck traveling from Leliefontein in the Namakwa Region in the direction of Kamieskroon.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said on 24 February 2025, at approximately 4:30pm, the vehicle was intercepted and searched after obtaining permission from the driver. Ehlers said about 30 bags containing 1309 alleged endangered plants were recovered and a truck seized as it was utilized in the commission of a crime.

“The trio, all from the Western Cape, were arrested and will appear in court on charges of illegal possession of endangered plants,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, commended the police for their rapid response and ensured the community that the SAPS in the Namakwa District will continue to clamp down on the poaching of endangered plant species in the region. Andrews said the members of the public were applauded for providing valuable information that led to the apprehension of the suspects. 

“Information regarding criminal activities can be relayed via the MySAPS app or 0860010111,” said Ehlers.

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ANCYL branch leader, Katlego Khunou apologises to TDN editor amid derogatory comments

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Picture: ANCYL leader in Taung, Katlego Khunou/Facebook

By REGINALD KANYANE 

25 February 2025- ANCYL leader at Kgantlapane Branch in Taung, Katlego Khunou has unequivocally apologized to the award-winning journalist, Obakeng Maje. On 6 January 2025, the founder and Editor-in-Chief of a community newspaper, Taung DailyNews, published an online article regarding learners who were allegedly caught having sex in a classroom at Kebinelang High School in Manthe village, near Taung.  

Khunou who calls herself Phil Mello on Facebook, alleged that Maje is a rapist journalist and he also impregnated another woman outside the wedlock.  

Maje said he viewed Khunou comments as calumniatory. He further denied ever impregnating any woman outside his marriage. 

“Ms Khunou’s comments were unfounded and defamatory. I do respect her, but it is unfortunate that some leaders within our society will go to social media with libelous comments without thinking of the outcome of their actions. 

“Remember, the internet reaches out to millions of people instantaneously. So, her comments were defamatory and posed a significant risk to my reputation and integrity. Section 16 of the Constitution provides everyone with the right freedom of expression. However, this right is not an absolute right and there are limitations on what one is allowed to say,” he said. 

Maje added that, even though he accepts Khunou’s apology, he would like to warn people to be cautious about what they post on social media. He said the defamatory statement is a misrepresentation of facts and individuals such as former TV presenter, Katlego Maboe, Thato Sikwane, who is popularly known as Dj Fresh, a musician, Sjava, just to mention a few, have suffered reputational damages due to defamatory statements made against them in the past by some individuals.

Meanwhile, in a statement, Khunou said: “I wish to publicly address and retract the statements I made in January 2025, on my Facebook page regarding Mr Obakeng Maje. Upon reflection, I understand that my comments- including calling Mr Maje a “rapist journalist” and making allegations about his personal life – were not only unfounded and untested, but also deeply hurtful and damaging to his reputation and dignity. 

“I acknowledge that these statements were made without verifying facts and have caused harm to Mr Maje as well as his standing in the community. I sincerely apologize for the pain and distress my words have caused.”

She said: “Effective immediately, I have deleted all posts containing these derogatory remarks. I am committed to learning that my future communications are thoughtful, respectful and based on verified information. I extend my heartfelt apology to Mr Obakeng Maje, his family, and everyone affected by my words.” 

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